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Changing Jamie
Jamie’s pretty much your average gay teenager. He’s not out with his folks, he’s got a crush on a fellow high school athlete, and his life isn’t perfect. It’s a good thing he has his friend, Billy, to take his mind off things, and to show him that all things are possible.
Billy seems to be all Jamie isn’t. Billy’s openly gay, he has enough money to follow fashion trends, and he’s got dates all the time. Lots of them. With older men. When Billy starts acting weird and hiding things from him, Jamie’s whole life seems to tilt off its axis.
His stepfather, who has never been the greatest role model, escalates his behavior until Jamie dreads going home. His English teacher assigns him tutoring sessions with the object of his crush, the gorgeous track star Dylan. Jamie’s not even sure he can talk to Dylan, let alone tutor him, but it’s impossible to talk to Billy about it. Billy’s too wrapped up in a very dangerous game they call bug chasing: trying to catch HIV.
Learning about Billy’s risk-taking nearly shatters their friendship, and forces Jamie to look at the world in a whole new way. Can Jamie try to keep Billy safe and still stay on top of homework, a new boyfriend, and keeping his step-father in line?
Billy seems to be all Jamie isn’t. Billy’s openly gay, he has enough money to follow fashion trends, and he’s got dates all the time. Lots of them. With older men. When Billy starts acting weird and hiding things from him, Jamie’s whole life seems to tilt off its axis.
His stepfather, who has never been the greatest role model, escalates his behavior until Jamie dreads going home. His English teacher assigns him tutoring sessions with the object of his crush, the gorgeous track star Dylan. Jamie’s not even sure he can talk to Dylan, let alone tutor him, but it’s impossible to talk to Billy about it. Billy’s too wrapped up in a very dangerous game they call bug chasing: trying to catch HIV.
Learning about Billy’s risk-taking nearly shatters their friendship, and forces Jamie to look at the world in a whole new way. Can Jamie try to keep Billy safe and still stay on top of homework, a new boyfriend, and keeping his step-father in line?
184 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2008
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August 25, 2011Changing Jamie is a Young Adult novel that has a lot to teach also to young adult is no more. It faces an issue, HIV in teenagers that I think most people prefer to ignore since it’s an ugly side of life; moreover, it unveils a practice, that among the bug-chasers and the gift givers that only to think about it make me shiver: underage kids have unprotected sex with HIV-positive men with the exact intent to be infected; of course these kids are depressed, or traumatized, and with a low-level of self-esteem; they probably believe no one loves them, and they believe probably they would be accepted at least by whom has their same illness. Thinking that such practice is described in a Young Adult novel is scaring, but it’s done in a way that wants to teach those kids that is not the way to be loved or accepted, it’s only a way to destroy your life forever, even more than what you believe is in that moment.
The bug-chaser is Billy and as a counterpart the story is told by Jamie, that is, more or less, a very ordinary teenager; Jamie is gay but he is not out; of course he has a crush on the most popular guy at school and of course he has the chance to tutor him, so that they finally exchange more than few words at once. Jamie’s story is sweet and romantic, a first love story with an happily for now end that will make you smile even if, just some pages before you were wondering on the inconsiderate act Billy did, maybe only since his parents were not enough worried of their son’s future.
There is a little bit of the usual routine about gay teenagers in high school, bullied kids and all, but that is not the main theme; for once, and as it should be, the school is mostly accepting, more even supporting, and Jamie and Dylan (Jamie’s dream date) have also the support of the respective families. On the family level, there are also three different approaches on being parents: the indifference of Billy’s parents, the supportiveness of Jamie’s mother and in the end, the lost chance’s attitude of Dylan’s father, who would like something different for his son, but than in the end will accept what his son wants.
All in all, Changing Jamie was a surprisingly balanced novel; it’s not cute or pretty, but it’s not even as sad as it could have slipped due to the matter.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703519/?...
The bug-chaser is Billy and as a counterpart the story is told by Jamie, that is, more or less, a very ordinary teenager; Jamie is gay but he is not out; of course he has a crush on the most popular guy at school and of course he has the chance to tutor him, so that they finally exchange more than few words at once. Jamie’s story is sweet and romantic, a first love story with an happily for now end that will make you smile even if, just some pages before you were wondering on the inconsiderate act Billy did, maybe only since his parents were not enough worried of their son’s future.
There is a little bit of the usual routine about gay teenagers in high school, bullied kids and all, but that is not the main theme; for once, and as it should be, the school is mostly accepting, more even supporting, and Jamie and Dylan (Jamie’s dream date) have also the support of the respective families. On the family level, there are also three different approaches on being parents: the indifference of Billy’s parents, the supportiveness of Jamie’s mother and in the end, the lost chance’s attitude of Dylan’s father, who would like something different for his son, but than in the end will accept what his son wants.
All in all, Changing Jamie was a surprisingly balanced novel; it’s not cute or pretty, but it’s not even as sad as it could have slipped due to the matter.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703519/?...
August 1, 2017
Nice book overall. I like Jamie a lot. Read the 2nd version. And still somehow nobody found the time line 'error' ... Jamie and his football guy start hanging out two months before prom (it's mentioned that prom is two months away) then suddenly they're dating "for so many months" and still prom is one month away when they're having these thoughts about being together for so long (also Billy has been gone for a long time at this point) so obviously something isn't quite right. It didn't spoil the story for me, but it stood out and little things like this will be the things I'll remember 😔
April 18, 2017
A good coming of age story that show the roller coaster ride that YA face when they are different 4.5 stars
March 15, 2024
Jamie’s senior year becomes a roller coaster ride of confusion indecision and anger as friends disappear, and tension rises at home. Jamie’s cop father died when he was three and his hardworking waitress mother remarried recently, the guy is a lazy jerk though always throwing rude nicknames at Jamie and being inconsiderate towards his mother. In addition to his stepfather not working his flamboyantly out and colorfully self-centered best friend Billy is chasing trouble in the sexy shape of an older Robbie, who works at the Home Depot. Did I mention that Jamie and his crush Dylan get partnered for a tutoring project? No, well that is not the only detail I have left out. Find out why Dakota Chase’s Changing Jamie is such a tumultuous journey.
Prizm Books is a subsidiary of Torquere Press a publisher I first found when I learned about the growing adult homoerotic genre that they represent a good portion of. Though Torquere books are primarily adult gay fiction Prizm is their YA division. The reason I mention all of this is because of the truly sad part of Chasing Jamie revolving around a decision made by Billy, who Jamie thought he knew. Billy is what is referred to as a bug chaser and part way through the book you come to learn that handsome Robbie is what is referred to as a gift giver. It also addresses boys who might be having trouble like Dylan with deciding if they are homosexual, and later decides to come out to his parents. These terms and situations and the scenario in which they are portrayed is why this book made it onto my list when there are so many other great YA works to choose from.
While I do not think that Changing Jamie will win any of the well-known YA awards I feel that books like this that approach difficult subjects well are just as valuable as the more popular works. I would probably not get to use this as a reader’s advisory suggestion until a patron really felt comfortable around me, but I would be sure to make it available, I think this is appropriate for older teens, especially but not exclusively boys, and teens in high school.
Prizm Books is a subsidiary of Torquere Press a publisher I first found when I learned about the growing adult homoerotic genre that they represent a good portion of. Though Torquere books are primarily adult gay fiction Prizm is their YA division. The reason I mention all of this is because of the truly sad part of Chasing Jamie revolving around a decision made by Billy, who Jamie thought he knew. Billy is what is referred to as a bug chaser and part way through the book you come to learn that handsome Robbie is what is referred to as a gift giver. It also addresses boys who might be having trouble like Dylan with deciding if they are homosexual, and later decides to come out to his parents. These terms and situations and the scenario in which they are portrayed is why this book made it onto my list when there are so many other great YA works to choose from.
While I do not think that Changing Jamie will win any of the well-known YA awards I feel that books like this that approach difficult subjects well are just as valuable as the more popular works. I would probably not get to use this as a reader’s advisory suggestion until a patron really felt comfortable around me, but I would be sure to make it available, I think this is appropriate for older teens, especially but not exclusively boys, and teens in high school.
August 2, 2012
Jamie is your typical teenager, struggling with fitting in at school, focusing on his studies, and running for the school track team. He also happens to be gay. This of course adds an additional level of angst to his life. He is terrified of being discovered by both the other kids at school and his mom, convinced that his life would be unbearable if people knew.
The only one he has been able to open up to is Billy, but unfortunately their friendship is very one-sided as Billy is very high maintenance. He needs to be the constant focus of attention, asking for Jamie’s opinion about his numerous dates and detailing his various sexual escapades. Jamie clings to their relationship as he is able to be himself with Billy, the one person that understands how it feels to be gay in a sea of straight students.
On top of everything else, Jamie also has to deal with a rocky home life. His father died when he was very young, and his mother is constantly working to keep the family afloat. Jamie’s stepfather either ignores him or verbally attacks him, punishing him for being another man’s son. Although there has been no physical danger, Jamie must constantly be on alert to avoid altercations with the man. His mother is convinced that his stepfather would never harm him, blind to the actual truth by her own loneliness.
The one light in Jamie’s life turns out to be his budding friendship with Dylan. After spending time together after school, Jamie is surprised to find that his simple crush has matured and that he desires Dylan more for the person he is instead of simply how he looks. They discover that they have a lot more in common than they ever could have imagined possible. Although they live in very different worlds, they develop a deep connection and dependence on one another that helps Jamie when his family life and friendship with Billy are falling apart.
Changing Jamie is a wonderful story about a young man just about to truly being his life. It starts with an exceptional line, “The world changed the year I turned seventeen, but no one noticed except me.” The story starts out at a run from the beginning and never slows down. We follow Jamie through the remainder of his senior year in high school as he deals with radical changes at home and at school. Jamie is constantly tested, and must dig deep within himself to find the strength to deal with the new direction his life takes.
The character of Jamie is an excellent depiction of a gay seventeen year old and I identified with the character from the very beginning. The reader is exposed to a wide range of emotions through his eyes. Chase has wonderful descriptions for Jamie that pull on emotions that almost everyone can identify with from high school. Some of my favorite examples were:
“There were times when I felt like a square peg in an ocean of round holes, like I didn’t fit in anywhere.”
“Sometimes I feel like everything’s jumbled into a big fat knot, like a tangled ball of Christmas lights, and I can’t find the beginning or the end no matter how hard I try.”
The difficult changes that Jamie is dealing with are balanced by his budding relationship with Dylan. The two characters don’t rush into an intimate relationship, and instead start with spending time together and getting to truly know one another. As the first gay relationship for both, they recognize the importance of taking things slowly. They have their own struggles, as they disagree over whether to be open about their relationship, but they are able to find a common ground and provide the support that they each need. Following along as this relationship develops is engrossing and enjoyable.
A very real and serious issue is tackled through the character of Billy. The underground existence of “gift-givers” and “bug-chasers” is disturbing and distressing and having a teenager who has barely begun his life be caught up in this world is heartbreaking. Chase fully invests in this storyline, making it that much more poignant. Billy truly believes that he will be better off contracting HIV, that it will open him up to a whole new world and opportunity for love. Jamie does extensive research in trying to understand his friend, providing the reader with powerful arguments on how wrong Billy really is. In this day and age, it is extremely important that all teenagers know about safe sex and that there is nothing glamorous or wonderful about contracting an incurable virus.
Changing Jamie is a fabulous story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The characters are well developed and the character of Jamie keeps you interested from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this captivating and poignant story!
The only one he has been able to open up to is Billy, but unfortunately their friendship is very one-sided as Billy is very high maintenance. He needs to be the constant focus of attention, asking for Jamie’s opinion about his numerous dates and detailing his various sexual escapades. Jamie clings to their relationship as he is able to be himself with Billy, the one person that understands how it feels to be gay in a sea of straight students.
On top of everything else, Jamie also has to deal with a rocky home life. His father died when he was very young, and his mother is constantly working to keep the family afloat. Jamie’s stepfather either ignores him or verbally attacks him, punishing him for being another man’s son. Although there has been no physical danger, Jamie must constantly be on alert to avoid altercations with the man. His mother is convinced that his stepfather would never harm him, blind to the actual truth by her own loneliness.
The one light in Jamie’s life turns out to be his budding friendship with Dylan. After spending time together after school, Jamie is surprised to find that his simple crush has matured and that he desires Dylan more for the person he is instead of simply how he looks. They discover that they have a lot more in common than they ever could have imagined possible. Although they live in very different worlds, they develop a deep connection and dependence on one another that helps Jamie when his family life and friendship with Billy are falling apart.
Changing Jamie is a wonderful story about a young man just about to truly being his life. It starts with an exceptional line, “The world changed the year I turned seventeen, but no one noticed except me.” The story starts out at a run from the beginning and never slows down. We follow Jamie through the remainder of his senior year in high school as he deals with radical changes at home and at school. Jamie is constantly tested, and must dig deep within himself to find the strength to deal with the new direction his life takes.
The character of Jamie is an excellent depiction of a gay seventeen year old and I identified with the character from the very beginning. The reader is exposed to a wide range of emotions through his eyes. Chase has wonderful descriptions for Jamie that pull on emotions that almost everyone can identify with from high school. Some of my favorite examples were:
“There were times when I felt like a square peg in an ocean of round holes, like I didn’t fit in anywhere.”
“Sometimes I feel like everything’s jumbled into a big fat knot, like a tangled ball of Christmas lights, and I can’t find the beginning or the end no matter how hard I try.”
The difficult changes that Jamie is dealing with are balanced by his budding relationship with Dylan. The two characters don’t rush into an intimate relationship, and instead start with spending time together and getting to truly know one another. As the first gay relationship for both, they recognize the importance of taking things slowly. They have their own struggles, as they disagree over whether to be open about their relationship, but they are able to find a common ground and provide the support that they each need. Following along as this relationship develops is engrossing and enjoyable.
A very real and serious issue is tackled through the character of Billy. The underground existence of “gift-givers” and “bug-chasers” is disturbing and distressing and having a teenager who has barely begun his life be caught up in this world is heartbreaking. Chase fully invests in this storyline, making it that much more poignant. Billy truly believes that he will be better off contracting HIV, that it will open him up to a whole new world and opportunity for love. Jamie does extensive research in trying to understand his friend, providing the reader with powerful arguments on how wrong Billy really is. In this day and age, it is extremely important that all teenagers know about safe sex and that there is nothing glamorous or wonderful about contracting an incurable virus.
Changing Jamie is a fabulous story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The characters are well developed and the character of Jamie keeps you interested from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this captivating and poignant story!
April 8, 2010
The Review:
Honesty from the outset~ I don’t recall reading anything by this author in the past and my 15 sec Google search couldn’t find a site for her/him. Don’t you hate that.
First things first~
I really liked this book. REALLY liked it. I have to be honest and say one of the things I enjoyed the most about Changing Jamie, which can probably be said of my love for the YA genre as a whole, was it’s accessibility and uncomplicated nature. This did not make it ‘ho hum’ by any stretch of the imagination, but rather a good, solid read focusing on the main character of Jamie and of the story of his coming of age.
The first two sentences of the blurb sum up Jamie very well. He is just an average teenager dealing with problems at home, the pressures of his last year of high school and concerns associated with his sexuality. Life becomes even more complicated for Jamie when he is assigned as a tutor to his secret crush Dylan, who may be even more interesting than Jamie dreamed. At the same time his friendship with his best and only friend Billy; the one person who knows he is gay, falls into a heap by not only Billy’s treatment of Jamie, but the unbelievable secret he is hiding. (More on the latter below.)
Jamie is an appealing main character. I think he’s made even more so by the fact he really is just an ‘average’ guy to whom many readers will be able to relate. He’s a bit of a loner, a bit geeky, a bit freaked about people finding out he is gay, a bit pissed at his Mum and Stepdad, a bit scared and angry about Billy, a bit anxious and excited about Dylan, a bit worried about his future after high school, etc, etc. All in all, a bit angsty and dramatic – something which he himself recognises on occasion -, but really what teenager isn’t and don’t we all remember what that felt like! Therein, I think, lies the appeal of Jamie and this story.
The author has created a terrific foil for Jamie in the character of Dylan. Although he is not without his own problems, Dylan provides Jamie with a sounding board and a support mechanism during the turbulent events of the story. I really enjoyed the way the author was able to convey the strength and courage these young characters found in each other and in turn were able to take on board themselves. It reminded me that there are relationships; be they with family, friends or lovers, which impact you in big and little ways and can make you grow as a person. It was such a great response to take away from a book.
A couple of issues/warnings~
I’d never heard of ‘bug chasing’ before I read about it in this book. Quite frankly, the thought that there are a small number of gay men who, like the character of Billy, actively seek to become HIV positive horrifies me. After I’d finished reading Changing Jamie I did some online research to try and find out more about this practice. At the same time, I noticed there were a few readers who had criticised this author for not dealing with this topic in more depth. From what was admittedly only a small amount of additional reading I did, and without going in to too much detail, I believe the author managed to highlight several of the main aspects of ‘bug chasing’ including possible reasons why some men choose this path. Whilst s/he may not have decided to focus solely on this theme, to potentially dismiss Changing Jamie because of this negates the fact that it raises awareness in readers such as myself and in young adults. That is a bloody good thing, IMHO.
As indicated above, some readers may have problems with this book in terms of the various themes and points of conflict it touches upon. Yes, there were quite a few and, yes, maybe some of these could have been explored further and/or resolved less easily (for eg, the coming out to parents and later at school). However, each served to progress the plot and assisted with character development. Again, yes, perhaps the overall result will be too feel goody for some. Yet, despite this, it worked for me. I found this YA story very uplifting and was left with a sense of hope for, as well as confidence in, Jamie and his future. What’s not too like about that. :)
My recommendation:
For those interested in reading a solid coming of age story with a strong HFN, I’ve no hesitation in recommending Changing Jamie to you.
Honesty from the outset~ I don’t recall reading anything by this author in the past and my 15 sec Google search couldn’t find a site for her/him. Don’t you hate that.
First things first~
I really liked this book. REALLY liked it. I have to be honest and say one of the things I enjoyed the most about Changing Jamie, which can probably be said of my love for the YA genre as a whole, was it’s accessibility and uncomplicated nature. This did not make it ‘ho hum’ by any stretch of the imagination, but rather a good, solid read focusing on the main character of Jamie and of the story of his coming of age.
The first two sentences of the blurb sum up Jamie very well. He is just an average teenager dealing with problems at home, the pressures of his last year of high school and concerns associated with his sexuality. Life becomes even more complicated for Jamie when he is assigned as a tutor to his secret crush Dylan, who may be even more interesting than Jamie dreamed. At the same time his friendship with his best and only friend Billy; the one person who knows he is gay, falls into a heap by not only Billy’s treatment of Jamie, but the unbelievable secret he is hiding. (More on the latter below.)
Jamie is an appealing main character. I think he’s made even more so by the fact he really is just an ‘average’ guy to whom many readers will be able to relate. He’s a bit of a loner, a bit geeky, a bit freaked about people finding out he is gay, a bit pissed at his Mum and Stepdad, a bit scared and angry about Billy, a bit anxious and excited about Dylan, a bit worried about his future after high school, etc, etc. All in all, a bit angsty and dramatic – something which he himself recognises on occasion -, but really what teenager isn’t and don’t we all remember what that felt like! Therein, I think, lies the appeal of Jamie and this story.
The author has created a terrific foil for Jamie in the character of Dylan. Although he is not without his own problems, Dylan provides Jamie with a sounding board and a support mechanism during the turbulent events of the story. I really enjoyed the way the author was able to convey the strength and courage these young characters found in each other and in turn were able to take on board themselves. It reminded me that there are relationships; be they with family, friends or lovers, which impact you in big and little ways and can make you grow as a person. It was such a great response to take away from a book.
A couple of issues/warnings~
I’d never heard of ‘bug chasing’ before I read about it in this book. Quite frankly, the thought that there are a small number of gay men who, like the character of Billy, actively seek to become HIV positive horrifies me. After I’d finished reading Changing Jamie I did some online research to try and find out more about this practice. At the same time, I noticed there were a few readers who had criticised this author for not dealing with this topic in more depth. From what was admittedly only a small amount of additional reading I did, and without going in to too much detail, I believe the author managed to highlight several of the main aspects of ‘bug chasing’ including possible reasons why some men choose this path. Whilst s/he may not have decided to focus solely on this theme, to potentially dismiss Changing Jamie because of this negates the fact that it raises awareness in readers such as myself and in young adults. That is a bloody good thing, IMHO.
As indicated above, some readers may have problems with this book in terms of the various themes and points of conflict it touches upon. Yes, there were quite a few and, yes, maybe some of these could have been explored further and/or resolved less easily (for eg, the coming out to parents and later at school). However, each served to progress the plot and assisted with character development. Again, yes, perhaps the overall result will be too feel goody for some. Yet, despite this, it worked for me. I found this YA story very uplifting and was left with a sense of hope for, as well as confidence in, Jamie and his future. What’s not too like about that. :)
My recommendation:
For those interested in reading a solid coming of age story with a strong HFN, I’ve no hesitation in recommending Changing Jamie to you.
January 24, 2017
Title: Changing Jamie
Author: Dakota Chase
Series:
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre(s): Young Adult Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 150 pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
I just finished reading this story. To be honest, it was not a book I really wanted to read, but I did and wow. I am a mother of 5. I know that kids do stupid things. I had no idea that bug chasing was a thing. After reading this book I felt angry. I am so upset that instead of waiting until I have the proper time to sit down and write an articulate, thought out review, I am going to rant. This story is an eye opener. Gay kids have enough trouble in their lives. Going out and intentionally risk getting infected with HIV is heartbreaking. I applaud the author for working this into a story that portrays the life of a young gay man. The plot of this story is about Jamie’s senior year of high school. His life is a rollercoaster. He hasn’t come out yet. He has a crush on one of the popular school athletes and has been assigned to tutor him in English. His stepfather is an abusive drunk. If that isn’t bad enough, his best friend is trying to get infected with HIV to be with an older guy that is already infected. Like I said before, wow. As far as chemistry goes, this book is not about sex or even romance. Yes, Jaime does find someone whom he may fall in love with, but it is more a friendship and being there for each other. This is a shorter story that reads well. It kept my attention from beginning to end. The ending is perfect for a story about a new relationship between two young people with so much of their lives to live. Maybe there should have been more character development to try to justify the actions of Jamie’s friend Billy, but being a teenager might be all the character development needed. I strongly recommend this story and I think that every parent of a teenager should read it because I am a firm believer that knowledge is power. Even if it comes in the form of a fictional story.
PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Changing Jamie provided by the Harmony Ink Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Dakota Chase
Series:
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre(s): Young Adult Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 150 pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
2nd Edition
Jamie’s pretty much an average gay teenager. He’s in the closet, has an unrequited secret crush on a fellow high school athlete, and an awful home life. It’s a good thing he has his friend Billy to distract him and to show him that being out has its benefits. Billy is everything Jamie isn’t: openly gay, wealthy enough to follow fashion trends, and with a social calendar full of dates with older men.
Then Jamie’s life spins into a downward spiral. Billy starts acting weird and hiding things from him. His stepfather’s abusive behavior escalates until Jamie dreads going home. His English teacher assigns him to tutor the object of his affection, gorgeous track star Dylan. Jamie’s not even sure he can talk to Dylan, let alone tutor him, and it’s impossible to talk to Billy about it. Billy’s too wrapped up in a dangerous game called bug chasing: trying to catch HIV. Billy’s risky behavior nearly shatters their friendship and forces Jamie to look at the world in a whole new way. Can Jamie keep Billy safe, stay on top of homework and a new boyfriend, and convince his mom to give his stepdad the heave-ho?
Review:
I just finished reading this story. To be honest, it was not a book I really wanted to read, but I did and wow. I am a mother of 5. I know that kids do stupid things. I had no idea that bug chasing was a thing. After reading this book I felt angry. I am so upset that instead of waiting until I have the proper time to sit down and write an articulate, thought out review, I am going to rant. This story is an eye opener. Gay kids have enough trouble in their lives. Going out and intentionally risk getting infected with HIV is heartbreaking. I applaud the author for working this into a story that portrays the life of a young gay man. The plot of this story is about Jamie’s senior year of high school. His life is a rollercoaster. He hasn’t come out yet. He has a crush on one of the popular school athletes and has been assigned to tutor him in English. His stepfather is an abusive drunk. If that isn’t bad enough, his best friend is trying to get infected with HIV to be with an older guy that is already infected. Like I said before, wow. As far as chemistry goes, this book is not about sex or even romance. Yes, Jaime does find someone whom he may fall in love with, but it is more a friendship and being there for each other. This is a shorter story that reads well. It kept my attention from beginning to end. The ending is perfect for a story about a new relationship between two young people with so much of their lives to live. Maybe there should have been more character development to try to justify the actions of Jamie’s friend Billy, but being a teenager might be all the character development needed. I strongly recommend this story and I think that every parent of a teenager should read it because I am a firm believer that knowledge is power. Even if it comes in the form of a fictional story.
PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Changing Jamie provided by the Harmony Ink Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
November 10, 2012
People aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes the face they present to the world is merely a mask worn to conceal deep-rooted insecurities, and even those closest to us are capable of hiding their innermost fears. So high school student Jamie discovers, both to his detriment and his gain, in this coming of age novel by Dakota Chase.
Jamie is having a hard time. He’s long since known he’s gay, but has been forced to keep quiet about it to avoid further abuse from his stepdad. As it is, His stepdad’s erratic behavior has reached the point that Jamie dreads going home. Even Billy, Jamie’s rebellious, openly gay best friend, has suddenly become secretive, refusing to discuss his relationship with a clearly unsuitable older guy. It feels to Jamie as if every aspect of his life is falling apart. He’s in desperate need of some moral support, something which comes to him from a wholly unexpected quarter.
When his English teacher assigns him tutoring sessions with gorgeous track star Dylan, Jamie is thrown into greater confusion. Surely spending time with the object of his crush can lead to nothing but humiliation and disappointment. What he doesn’t anticipate is that there’s far more to Dylan than his dumb jock persona, and that Dylan will prove to be the rock he’s looking for. As the two boys work together to uncover the dangerous game Billy has become involved in, a genuine friendship blossoms between them, along with a mutual attraction. Each finds in the other someone with whom he can be entirely himself. Yet, with both Jamie and Dylan reluctant to come out either at home or at school, it may be that their budding romance is doomed before it has even got off the ground.
Changing Jamie is a sweet novel about falling in love, coming out and learning to accept yourself for the person you are. It may seem to Jamie that everyone around him is changing, but in fact it is he who we see grow and mature throughout the narrative. Though the story deals with some sensitive issues, such as domestic violence and the dangers associated with HIV and AIDS, it does so without straying into overly grim territory. If you like teen fiction with an equal measure of grit and positivity, you may well enjoy this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and the Boys on the Brink Blog
Jamie is having a hard time. He’s long since known he’s gay, but has been forced to keep quiet about it to avoid further abuse from his stepdad. As it is, His stepdad’s erratic behavior has reached the point that Jamie dreads going home. Even Billy, Jamie’s rebellious, openly gay best friend, has suddenly become secretive, refusing to discuss his relationship with a clearly unsuitable older guy. It feels to Jamie as if every aspect of his life is falling apart. He’s in desperate need of some moral support, something which comes to him from a wholly unexpected quarter.
When his English teacher assigns him tutoring sessions with gorgeous track star Dylan, Jamie is thrown into greater confusion. Surely spending time with the object of his crush can lead to nothing but humiliation and disappointment. What he doesn’t anticipate is that there’s far more to Dylan than his dumb jock persona, and that Dylan will prove to be the rock he’s looking for. As the two boys work together to uncover the dangerous game Billy has become involved in, a genuine friendship blossoms between them, along with a mutual attraction. Each finds in the other someone with whom he can be entirely himself. Yet, with both Jamie and Dylan reluctant to come out either at home or at school, it may be that their budding romance is doomed before it has even got off the ground.
Changing Jamie is a sweet novel about falling in love, coming out and learning to accept yourself for the person you are. It may seem to Jamie that everyone around him is changing, but in fact it is he who we see grow and mature throughout the narrative. Though the story deals with some sensitive issues, such as domestic violence and the dangers associated with HIV and AIDS, it does so without straying into overly grim territory. If you like teen fiction with an equal measure of grit and positivity, you may well enjoy this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and the Boys on the Brink Blog
January 11, 2009
I'm not sure what to say about this book. I think the story idea is interesting, but I really didn't like the execution. So here are my gripes:
I haven't seen bug chasing addressed in a novel before. I think it's an element that needs to have an exploration to expose it for its ugliness. But because this book tried to deal with Jamie's coming out as well as Billy's bug chasing, everything received short shrift. This is a shame. Oh, and the sections that actually dealt with the bug chasing were very much After School Special in their tone.
I find myself irritated that an underage boy is found in a seedy hotel, the obvious victim of a violent sex act (even if he instigated it), and none of the adult/authority figures seem to be bothered to run what ought to be a standard bloodwork check for STDs. Of course, with the stigmatization of homosexuality, perhaps this is reality.
My major gripe with Jamie is that he had put the pieces together and didn't tell any adults. I understand that this is part of the Teenager Stupidity Complex, but even so, I think the plot conflict might have been much more interesting if it were brought into the realm of Things That Actually Require an Action to Deal With Because the Protagonist Made an Active Decision. But I really don't like passive conflict in a novel.
The editing was absolutely abysmal. Typos, grammar, widows/orphans, amateur-appearing typesetting. In hindsight, I guess I ought to have figured that out just from the cover. By the end of the novel, I had assumed that perhaps it was published by a vanity house, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Maybe it is. From what I can tell, Prizm is a YA imprint of Torquere Press, which is an e-book publisher. Regardless, I had purchased City/Country at the same time because I thought the story sounded interesting. Because of the editing in this book, I'm not going to even bother cracking the cover of the other book.
I haven't seen bug chasing addressed in a novel before. I think it's an element that needs to have an exploration to expose it for its ugliness. But because this book tried to deal with Jamie's coming out as well as Billy's bug chasing, everything received short shrift. This is a shame. Oh, and the sections that actually dealt with the bug chasing were very much After School Special in their tone.
I find myself irritated that an underage boy is found in a seedy hotel, the obvious victim of a violent sex act (even if he instigated it), and none of the adult/authority figures seem to be bothered to run what ought to be a standard bloodwork check for STDs. Of course, with the stigmatization of homosexuality, perhaps this is reality.
My major gripe with Jamie is that he had put the pieces together and didn't tell any adults. I understand that this is part of the Teenager Stupidity Complex, but even so, I think the plot conflict might have been much more interesting if it were brought into the realm of Things That Actually Require an Action to Deal With Because the Protagonist Made an Active Decision. But I really don't like passive conflict in a novel.
The editing was absolutely abysmal. Typos, grammar, widows/orphans, amateur-appearing typesetting. In hindsight, I guess I ought to have figured that out just from the cover. By the end of the novel, I had assumed that perhaps it was published by a vanity house, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Maybe it is. From what I can tell, Prizm is a YA imprint of Torquere Press, which is an e-book publisher. Regardless, I had purchased City/Country at the same time because I thought the story sounded interesting. Because of the editing in this book, I'm not going to even bother cracking the cover of the other book.
January 23, 2017
This book truly blew me away. In all honesty I did not realize that this book was going to turn out to be as serious of topics as it was but I was truly amazed at how the topics of this book was handled. Dakota Chase truly did an extraordinary job on this book.
Jamie had to truly deal with some serious issues at a young age. Having an abusive step father, a best friend who is a "bug" chaser, dealing with being in the closet, and having a major crush on a fellow athlete. Jamie had some major issues and a few very real crisises to deal with at the age of seventeen.
Having to deal with these things definitely took a toll on him and he lost the innocence there was about him in a quick and rapid way.
Jamie had a good head on his shoulders and if you are his friend then he cares about you with all that he is. When his best friend decided to intentionally get infected with HIV in order to be with the guy that he thought he was in love with, Jamie's whole world was turned upside down.
When the guy that Jamie had a three year crush on admits to having one on Jamie also, his world was sent into orbit also.
When his step father tried to beat the gay away, Jamie's world as he knew it was shattered yet again.
So to say that Jamie had a hard time and had some major issues that most adults never have to face but Jamie did and at a young age is definitely an eye opener as to real problems and how they My be handled in an adult way.
Yes Jamie wanted to tell, scream, and holler till his world was put back right but he knew that it would not happen that way and I truly believe that for his age, he handled everything wonderfully.
Dakota Chase thoroughly impressed me with this book. I truly enjoyed it and I definitely look forward to more from Dakota in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Jamie had to truly deal with some serious issues at a young age. Having an abusive step father, a best friend who is a "bug" chaser, dealing with being in the closet, and having a major crush on a fellow athlete. Jamie had some major issues and a few very real crisises to deal with at the age of seventeen.
Having to deal with these things definitely took a toll on him and he lost the innocence there was about him in a quick and rapid way.
Jamie had a good head on his shoulders and if you are his friend then he cares about you with all that he is. When his best friend decided to intentionally get infected with HIV in order to be with the guy that he thought he was in love with, Jamie's whole world was turned upside down.
When the guy that Jamie had a three year crush on admits to having one on Jamie also, his world was sent into orbit also.
When his step father tried to beat the gay away, Jamie's world as he knew it was shattered yet again.
So to say that Jamie had a hard time and had some major issues that most adults never have to face but Jamie did and at a young age is definitely an eye opener as to real problems and how they My be handled in an adult way.
Yes Jamie wanted to tell, scream, and holler till his world was put back right but he knew that it would not happen that way and I truly believe that for his age, he handled everything wonderfully.
Dakota Chase thoroughly impressed me with this book. I truly enjoyed it and I definitely look forward to more from Dakota in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
March 11, 2012
I was completely baffled rendered speechless... This book covered an issue that i never heard of bug chasing seriously? Why on God's green earth would someone actually seek out to catch an incurable virus as vile as HIV.. Being a best friend of someone that is actually living with it really pisses me off, It's not fun and games you do get sick even with the meds. yes you have your good days, but oh believe me you get the bad ones i've seen it and it's not pretty it's freaking scary..
Jamies' life is forever changed he has come-out to his mother and a whole high school. he has a loser bigoted stepdad and a best friend he thought he knew. well shows you that you really don't know a person, they always end up catching you off guard, some way or another.. but through it all i think he handle the situations better than most adults.
Dylan oh what can i say i just love him....
Rob the ever loving a-hole can burn in H.E. double hockey sticks for eternity oh and considers the virus a GIFT from who you idiot.. the DEVIL
Billy is a selfish, self destructive lost soul... who fancys himself in love with a gift giver ( person giving away the HIV virus to a willing person) REALLY?
I have never read a book like this the author hits some serious topics that will have people thinking and talking it doesn't revolve around the whole HIV issue though it is a big part of the book but it's also about how things can affect and change in a matter of seconds, minutes, days and about thinking you really know a person and it turns out you don't.. so much more i can say but i will be pimping this book out to any one willing to read it because i actually love it and maybe it can save someone who thinks of bug chasing.. well done Dakota Chase i know this book has affected me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Changing Jamie is a story of friendship, family, and first love, told entirely from Jamie’s point of view. The first person narrative is direct, even from the outset of the novel, and with it Dakota Chase invites the reader into Jamie’s life.
Although Changing Jamie is a sweet romance, with no sex between Dylan and Jamie, the book does deal with serious issues regarding Billy. For a young adult audience, the events relating to Billy and the HIV virus may have shock value and I myself, perhaps naively, learned the meaning of the terms “bug-catcher” and “gift-giver.” In my opinion, Chase handles this storyline excellently, not only revealing Billy’s recklessness and Jamie’s fear, but also hard facts through Jamie’s research and the aftermath of Billy’s actions. Chase shows herself to be a responsible author in dealing with such subject matter and approaching it objectively.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Changing Jamie is a story of friendship, family, and first love, told entirely from Jamie’s point of view. The first person narrative is direct, even from the outset of the novel, and with it Dakota Chase invites the reader into Jamie’s life.
Although Changing Jamie is a sweet romance, with no sex between Dylan and Jamie, the book does deal with serious issues regarding Billy. For a young adult audience, the events relating to Billy and the HIV virus may have shock value and I myself, perhaps naively, learned the meaning of the terms “bug-catcher” and “gift-giver.” In my opinion, Chase handles this storyline excellently, not only revealing Billy’s recklessness and Jamie’s fear, but also hard facts through Jamie’s research and the aftermath of Billy’s actions. Chase shows herself to be a responsible author in dealing with such subject matter and approaching it objectively.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
January 28, 2013
3.5*
I thought this sounded like an interesting book, especially as it deals with a subject I had never heard of before: bug chasing. And it is an interesting book, but I was a little disappointed that the bug chasing storyline often took second place to the (IMO less interesting) romantic relationship between Jamie and Dylan. That said, it is an enjoyable, unusual read that made me think.
I thought this sounded like an interesting book, especially as it deals with a subject I had never heard of before: bug chasing. And it is an interesting book, but I was a little disappointed that the bug chasing storyline often took second place to the (IMO less interesting) romantic relationship between Jamie and Dylan. That said, it is an enjoyable, unusual read that made me think.
May 4, 2013
A very good and enjoyable read. Strong, well described characters. Jamie's dialogue was particularly well written.
As another reviewer noted 'bug-chasing' is not often addressed in m/m literature and I felt the book could have been longer to explore the subject in more detail, without detracting from the overall enjoyment.
Certainly keen to read more of the author's YA work.
As another reviewer noted 'bug-chasing' is not often addressed in m/m literature and I felt the book could have been longer to explore the subject in more detail, without detracting from the overall enjoyment.
Certainly keen to read more of the author's YA work.
December 22, 2011
I really love the relation between Jamie and Billy, and Jamie and Dylan and talk about a troubling issue.
Reading one book do not make you a 'closet geek'
"It doesn't bother me. My uncle's gay, and he's a great guy" I hate when someone say that.
Reading one book do not make you a 'closet geek'
"It doesn't bother me. My uncle's gay, and he's a great guy" I hate when someone say that.
December 3, 2012
A difficult but moving book. I'll need time to process all that went on in this one. It's both sad and uplifting.
October 27, 2011
4.5 stars, rounded to 5
April 26, 2013
It was a sweet and lovely story...
July 29, 2013
4.5 stars
October 29, 2013
Awws!!
February 28, 2011
Очень хорошая книга про и для подростков-геев.
May 1, 2017
This is the kind of YA book that I don't really like. It's actually a YA book. I would happily let a middle school child read this one. It had a few references to sex and the "bug chasing" was disturbing but nothing a younger audience would find too much. Basically a cute story dealing with some difficult topics with a HFN ending. Pretty good read if you're into this kind of book.
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